In Episode #013 I dive into the latest headlines surrounding the inaccuracies and ethical quandaries connected to online genetic testing services, and how this ties into genetics jobs in the future.

Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:31) 23andMe DNA test reveals IV sperm mixup

(3:58) A journalist's 10-year old predictions about 23andMe

(9:54) 23andMe's big plan all along

(12:08) Unintended consequences of genetic testing

(14:27) Australians are avoiding genetic screening tests

(18:29) Are online DNA tests accurate enough?

(21:25) Can you become a Genetic Counsellor?

(25:52) Audience comments from previous episodes

Show Notes:

* 23andMe reveals not biological father: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/kids/dna-test-leads-to-shock-revelation-for-two-families-who-used-ivf/news-story/0005327d9ff68556ef921a0da028914c

* Original concerns back in 2013: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/23andme-is-terrifying-but-not-for-the-reasons-the-fda-thinks/

* 23andme’s master plan: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-11-04/23andme-to-use-dna-tests-to-make-cancer-drugs

* 23andMe’s indirect consequences: https://www.vox.com/recode/2019/12/13/20978024/genetic-testing-dna-consequences-23andme-ancestry

* Genetic testing avoidance due to insurance premiums rising: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-30/australians-skipping-genetic-tests-being-used-by-life-insurers/102540960

* Online genetic testing unreliable: https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2021-03-07/online-genetic-testing-direct-to-consumer-brca1-brca2-genes/13212724

Thanks for reading BioLab Collective with Jack Wang! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit biolabcollective.substack.com

Why are Mental Health Apps collecting your data? In Episode #012 I explore the Mental Health Technology sector, how they handle your sensitive information, and the impact this has on jobs in Colleges and Healthcare.

Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:20) The Risks of using Mental Health Apps

(10:42) Mental Health Charities and Data Leaks

(12:55) How do Mental Health apps work for therapists?

(18:21) Mental Health in Academia

(24:13) Is throwing money at this problem going to work?

(26:07) What we can do as individuals

Show notes:

Mental Health apps are untested:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-02/mental-health-app-s-unregulated-cause-user-safety-concerns/102380956

$7.8 million fine for data leak from mental health apps:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/03/ftc-ban-betterhelp-revealing-consumers-data-including-sensitive-mental-health-information-facebook

Mental Health Charities Data Leak:

https://amp.theguardian.com/society/2023/jun/03/uk-mental-health-charities-handed-sensitive-data-to-facebook-for-targeted-ads

Hard for mental health apps to deliver:

https://www.thecut.com/article/mental-health-therapy-apps.html

Mental Health in academia:

https://academicmatters.ca/mental-health-in-academia-the-challenges-faculty-face-predate-the-pandemic-and-require-systemic-solutions/

Mental Health services are difficult to get right:

https://theconversation.com/its-4-years-since-the-nz-government-pledged-1-9-billion-for-better-mental-health-services-why-are-we-still-waiting-207908

Mental Health First Aid Training in Australia:

https://mhfa.com.au

Thanks for reading BioLab Collective with Jack Wang! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit biolabcollective.substack.com

Lab Grown Meat Vs Synthetic Embryos - it sounds like the worst nightmare in SciFi movies yet it now seems to be our reality.

In Episode #011 I react to the latest news headlines surrounding the ethics and legislation of recent advances in synthetic embryos, and contrast that against the nascent lab grown meat sector. One of these breakthroughs will impact our daily lives much quicker than the other.

Chapter Markers:

* Synthetic Embryos created in groundbreaking advance (2:05)

* Scientists create early stage model of human embryos from skin cells (6:28)

* USDA allows lab-grown meat to be sold to US consumers (9:32)

* What lab-grown chicken tastes like (12:24)

* The hidden-costs of lab-grown meat (14:40)

* How does this impact future jobs in science? (18:10)

* Peptides and the cosmetic industry (19:36)

Show Notes:

Synthetic embryos made in Monash

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jun/14/synthetic-human-embryos-created-in-groundbreaking-advance

Skin cells reprogrammed to become early human embryo model.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-18/scientists-create-human-embryos-from-skin-cells/100015666

USDA allows lab grown meat to be sold:

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/21/us-lab-grown-meat-sold-public

How lab-grown meat is made:

https://www.inverse.com/science/lab-grown-meat-taste-test

Cost of DMEM

https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/11965084

What is FBS?

https://www.thermofisher.com/au/en/home/references/gibco-cell-culture-basics/cell-culture-environment/culture-media/fbs-basics/what-is-fetal-bovine-serum.html#:~:text=Fetal%20bovine%20serum%20(FBS)%20is,drawn%20from%20bovine%20fetus%20coagulates.&text=Through%20centrifugation%2C%20cells%2C%20coagulation%20fibrinogens,are%20removed%20to%20produce%20serum.

Peptides in skincare:

https://www.vanityfair.com/style/photos/2023/02/peptides-explained-skin-care-buzzword

Thanks for reading BioLab Collective with Jack Wang! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit biolabcollective.substack.com

In Episode 1.10, Jack and Amanda evaluate Berberine as a replacement for Ozempic in weight loss planning, discuss scientists’ innate skepticism of natural remedies, and breakdown the “number one” characteristic recruiters at Google and Microsoft are looking for in job interviews. Oh and it’s our Season 1 Finale! Watch us fumble through vague recollections of the past season in an attempt to remember what we’ve learnt.

The Connect:

* Is Berberine Nature’s version of Ozempic? (2:50)

Crossover of the week:

* Guess the headlines (12:10)

Whose Job is it anyway?

* The number 1 thing Google recruiters are looking for in an applicant (24:00)

* The 1 question that makes or breaks job interviews at Microsoft (29:36)

Show notes:

Berberine - Nature’s own Ozempic gaining steam

https://theconversation.com/natures-own-ozempic-or-berberine-is-all-over-social-media-but-does-it-really-help-you-lose-weight-206855

Berberine meta analyses:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332220303292?via%3Dihub

These are the best interview questions:

https://www.businessinsider.com/best-interview-question-how-to-answer-microsoft-vp-of-hr-2022-12?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=business-sf&fbclid=IwAR2ycEQl-jewv3PYE57j7HDXXsSqLAIoLdV-jY1ojtDMHoBLMCI0SbvoN6w

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/07/former-google-vp-shares-no-1-skill-she-looked-for-at-job-interviews-that-people-rarely-had.html?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_content=Intl&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0iLVS6pZcfrDpR0MUG3dsfLoapaLX-E8B8xM-euE7MENi8JKe_qc6r0ZU&mibextid=Zxz2cZ#Echobox=1683264531

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit biolabcollective.substack.com

In Episode #009 Jack and Amanda attempt to debunk some common myths around the flu vaccines, discuss our excitement over new triple viral Rapid Antigen Testing, and vent about pet peeves in work email etiquette.

Chapters:

* (4:36) WHO rejects artificial sweeteners for weight loss

* (9:33) Tiktok promotes vaping being fun and downplays harm

* (12:43) Meta fined 1.3 billion for data transfer from EU to US

* (19:59) Should you get the flu vaccine this year?

* (29:34) Triple viral Rapid Antigen Test approved by TGA

* (32:37) Avoid these email faux pas

Show notes:

https://theconversation.com/the-who-says-we-shouldnt-bother-with-artificial-sweeteners-for-weight-loss-or-health-is-sugar-better-205827

https://theconversation.com/tiktok-promotes-vaping-as-a-fun-safe-and-socially-accepted-pastime-and-omits-the-harms-203423

https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/22/23732461/meta-eu-privacy-fine-us-data-transfers-1-3-billion

https://gdpr.eu/what-is-gdpr/

https://theconversation.com/should-i-get-a-flu-vaccine-this-year-heres-what-you-need-to-know-203406

https://www.9news.com.au/national/health-news-rapid-antigen-test-for-three-viruses-in-one-approved-by-tga/c1e87c83-bbc1-4b72-86d7-b758a19f8384

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/17/phrases-that-make-you-sound-passive-aggressive-and-how-successful-people-communicate.html?utm_content=Main&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR3WCt0sYkRVHASF5s0KGXlss--tg9K9oBSM5bm1xsb9pxr3inIQKbM3JvE&mibextid=Zxz2cZ#Echobox=1683731507

Thanks for reading BioLab Collective with Jack Wang! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit biolabcollective.substack.com

It’s better late than never, and in episode 1.08 of Crossover Connections with Jack Wang, we discuss the new ban on vaping imposed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia, and dive into the impact of e-cigarettes on our long-term health.

The Connect:

* Gen Z is the most difficult generation in the workplace according to a poll of >1300 US managers (2:40)

Whose job is it anyway?

* You should never ask this question at any job interviews (9:11)

The Circuit:

* Paracetamol Pack Sales cut back amid fears of overdose (16:31)

* What does vaping do to your body? (20:10)

* 3 key vaping Facts (25:31)

* How nicotine changes brain chemistry in mice over generations (29:03)

* How e-cigarette and tobacco industries targeted young people (31:25)

Crossover of the Week:

* What policies can actually stop vaping in schools? (35:06)

Show Notes:

Gen Z most difficult to work with: https://nypost.com/2023/04/21/gen-z-is-the-most-difficult-generation-in-the-workplace-poll/

Gen Z already burnt out: https://nypost.com/2023/02/17/new-gen-z-workers-already-burnt-out-and-disconnected/

Never ask this question as a candidate at a job interview: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/13/never-ask-this-question-at-a-job-interview-says-ceo-why-its-an-immediate-red-flag.html?utm_content=Main&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0a6wFU3q16zA-yLxSOG8PkL5uaemQrMb3zrwXaRRedlExiBiCjhlYboL0#Echobox=1682008238

TGA bans large packs of Panadol over OD concerns: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-03/paracetamol-maximum-packet-size-tga/102300266

Australia bans recreational vapes: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-02/federal-government-bans-import-recreational-vapes/102292306

Is vaping worse than smoking?https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping

NIcotine in mice impairs behaviour across multiple generations: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6191076/

The vaping industry’s secret plan: https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2022-12-22/vaping-e-cigarette-tricks-loopholes-industry-target-young-people/101793648

Vaping is not doing what it claims to do:

https://theconversation.com/a-damning-review-of-e-cigarettes-shows-vaping-leads-to-smoking-the-opposite-of-what-supporters-claim-180675#:~:text=People%20who%20have%20never%20smoked,have%20never%20used%20e%2Dcigarettes.

How do we regulate vaping?

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-24/australia-vaping-problem-health-policy-solution/102012768

Last week’s video: https://youtu.be/x__Tgd3unJc

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit biolabcollective.substack.com

With great purchasing power comes great responsibility and in episode #007 we contrast the economic driving force provided by Gen Z, against the pressures they face entering the workforce.

Chapters:

* (3:56) ChatGPT is hallucinating and making up fake newspaper articles at The Guardian

* (6:13) Face ID for Cows can stop agricultural crime

* (15:40) You know Wordle, but have you heard of “Heardle”?

* (18:26) How did the Super Mario Bros movie make half a billion dollars?

* (22:00) Juul to pay $462 million USD for advertising e-cigarettes to young people

* (25:04) Australia contemplates country-wide ban on phones at school

* (28:54) Multiple countries consider banning TikTok, and why it won’t work

* (34:21) Multiple data leaks across big Australian companies

* (36:58) Why so many 30 under 30s are going to jail

* (46:01) AI will be interviewing you for your next job

Show Notes:

AI is making up fake sources: https://amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/06/ai-chatgpt-guardian-technology-risks-fake-article

Facebook for cows to reduce agricultural crime. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-13/new-technology-to-reduce-farm-crime-in-australia-ai-facebook/102165686

Spotify shuts down Heardle: https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/14/23683240/spotify-shuts-down-heardle-music-guessing-game

Super Mario Bros crosses $500 million: https://variety.com/2023/film/news/super-mario-bros-movie-box-office-biggest-video-game-adaptation-ever-1235583559/

Juul settles for $462million for advertising to teens: https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/04/12/business/juul-settlement/index.html

How does nicotine work: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7163392/

Australia and phone ban at school:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-14/national-mobile-phone-ban-and-restrictions-in-schools/102222320

How effective will a TikTok ban be?

https://theconversation.com/australia-needs-a-robust-cybersecurity-overhaul-not-whack-a-mole-bans-on-apps-like-tiktok-203158

30 under 30 in jail: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/apr/06/forbes-30-under-30-tech-finance-prison

AI job interviews:

https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/your-next-job-interview-could-be-judged-by-ai-here-s-how-to-prepare-20230328-p5cvyx.html

Thanks for reading BioLab Collective with Jack Wang! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit biolabcollective.substack.com

In episode #006 we dissect the “kerfuffle” surrounding the Australian rollout of Prime Energy drink, how dangerous it may or may not be for kids, and the molecular basis of why coffee won’t give you extra energy.

Chapters:

* (2:24) California’s plan for cheaper insulin collides with Big Pharma’s Price cuts

* (6:13) Microbats affected by recent cold snap take refuge in people’s homes?

* (9:38) Tech layoffs and the globalised job market

* (16:10) Global increase in measles cases

* (20:27) FDA approves nasal sprays to treat migraines and opioid overdose

* (25:36) Logan Paul, Ksi, and Prime Energy Drinks

* (34:11) Coffee won’t give you extra energy, it’s just on loan

Show Notes:

* https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/24/health/insulin-prices-california.html

* https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-30/microbats-struggle-with-temperature-flux-with-cold-snap-torpor/102159416

* https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-25/sa-records-first-measles-case-in-three-years/102144922

* https://theconversation.com/new-covid-variants-may-be-more-transmissible-but-that-doesnt-mean-the-r0-or-basic-reproduction-number-has-increased-186826

* https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(17)30307-9/fulltext

* https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/10/health/migraine-nasal-spray-zavzpret/index.html

* https://www.npr.org/2023/03/29/1166750095/narcan-fda-approval-naloxone-over-the-counter-otc

* https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-30/what-is-prime-energy-hydration-logan-paul-ksi/102160604

* https://theconversation.com/nope-coffee-wont-give-you-extra-energy-itll-just-borrow-a-bit-that-youll-pay-for-later-197897

Thanks for reading BioLab Collective with Jack Wang! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit biolabcollective.substack.com

In episode 5, Jack and Amanda contemplate the implications of GPT 4 and the announcement of Microsoft’s AI Co-pilot, how this may impact scientific discoveries, and how productivity in our sectors can be better streamlined.

Chapters:

* (2:29) Moth eating bats could save wineries $50 million a year

* (7:42) Why are so many new viruses emerging?

* (16:00) Scientists revive a 48,500 year old “Zombie virus”

* (24:47) UK trial of 4-day working weeks showed increased revenue

* (35:34) What is new about GPT-4?

* (37:05) The Alignment problem

Show Notes:

* Moth eating bats to help reduce pesticides in wineries https://amp.abc.net.au/article/102088896

* Why are we seeing so many emerging viruses https://theconversation.com/covid-bird-flu-mpox-a-virologist-on-why-were-seeing-so-many-viruses-emerge-200485

* H5N1 Bird Flu current CDC status https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm

* Scientist revives zombie virus from permafrost https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/08/world/permafrost-virus-risk-climate-scn/index.html

* 4 day work week increased revenue by 1.4% https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-23/four-day-working-week-trial-study-flexible-hours/102012464

* What is GPT-4 and how does it differ from Chat GPT https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/mar/15/what-is-gpt-4-and-how-does-it-differ-from-chatgpt

* Evolution not revolution: why GPT-4 is notable, but not groundbreaking https://theconversation.com/evolution-not-revolution-why-gpt-4-is-notable-but-not-groundbreaking-201858

* Microsoft announces Copilot https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/16/23642833/microsoft-365-ai-copilot-word-outlook-teams

Thanks for reading BioLab Collective with Jack Wang! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit biolabcollective.substack.com

In episode 4 of the Crossover Connections Podcast, Jack and Amanda discuss the latest issues in Science, Technology and Education, this week through the lens of all the new headlines surrounding diabetes treatment and prevention

Chapters:

(2:32) Our apology to bats

(6:17) Nightmarish crochet patterns generated by Chat GPT

(8:45) The alarming parallels between Black mirror and AI dating services .

(12:02) Eli Lilly caps insulin prices

(17:49) Blood glucose monitoring Apple Watches

(25:05) Artificial Sweetener Erythritol linked to stroke and heart attack

Show Notes:

* Why do Bats have so many viruses?

* Chat GPT and nightmarish Crochet patterns

* Replika users fall in love with AI

* Insulin Costs capped in US

* Diabetes drug Fiasp about to be taken off PBS

* Apple makes major progress on no-prick blood glucose tracking for its watch

* Erythritol linked to higher risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease

Thanks for reading BioLab Collective with Jack Wang! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit biolabcollective.substack.com